Alternating Current vs Direct Current

Thomas Edison was the primary creator of the first DC battery. By a magnetic field is close to the wire, it makes the electrons travel in one direction on the wire. This is because they repel from the negative side but then are attracted to the positive side, travelling in that direction. As a result, Edison used this information to establish the DC current flowing through a battery.

The DC battery was replaced more often due to the ac voltage generators created by Nikola Tesla. Tesla discovered that instead of using the magnetism along the wire, she used a rotating magnet. After orientating it in one direction, the electrons travelled to the positive, then when the orientation was flipped, they travelled back. As a result, these systems are used more in cities as they transmit extra power over long distances more efficiently.

• Amount of Energy which can be Transferred – longer periods and over longer distances
• How the Direction of Flow is Made – A magnet is rotated with the wire
• Frequency of the Electric Charge – depending on the country, it can be around 50Hz to 60Hz
• The direction which the Current Travels – periodically reverses in its direction while moving within the circuit
• Current – the current is of magnitude level and varies with time
• The Flow of the Electrons – directions change from forwards to backwards constantly
• Power Provider – through a power plant, AC generator and/or mains
• Passive Paramterers – between 0.1 and 1
• Different Types – square, trapezoidal, sinusoidal and also triangular

• Amount of Energy which can be Transferred – loses energy the further the energy travels which means it is limited
• How the Direction of Flow is Made – regular magnetism occurs along the wire
• Frequency of the Electric Charge – the frequency of this current met at zero
• The direction which the Current Travels – once simple direction when flowing within the circuit
• Current – constant magnitude is the current
• The Flow of the Electrons – the main direction of the electrons is forward or one way
• Power Provider – either a battery or through a cell
• Passive Paramterers – always set at 1
• Different Types – mostly likely pulsating or pure

The amount of energy the different currents can carry determines how each one is generally used.

For DC currents, the voltage source is often within a battery or cell as the current cannot travel far. The battery is made for the purpose of giving one voltage, with the further it travels the less amount of energy is contained.

For AC currents, they are more popularly used for providing electrical energy around a suburb, city and so on. From a generator in a power plant to a device called a transformer, electrical energy is provided. These transformers can increase or decrease the amount of electricity given to a location. Additionally, they are located on the street, transmitting power/ voltage suitably to what the electrical appliance needs. For more information on transformer boxes, we have additional information on their positive benefits.

• AC currents are lower in cost because they are available in large amounts. Providing more power with lower costs than DC, they are more efficient and beneficial to use
• Power transmission is more efficient because of the steady transmission of power through the resistance allowed longer-lines to travel further. As a result, it is now easier to transmit power across long distances in a more regular and contained manner
• Power consumption is possible through utilising AC currents, where appliances like electric fans and compressors in air conditioning us this system
• Power generation is possible because of the invention of the AC generator. The hydroelectric AC generator was later invented, still used in today’s times, providing more generation of power to occur

• AC currents being used in cars is more expensive when charging
• Insulation is needed because of high voltages present, insulation can help control safety but it can be more dangerous to work with AC
• Heat and sparks happening is an issue with AC currents which can lead to electrical shocks and fires

• DC currents allow electricity to flow in one direction, making it easier to handle
• More suitable for semiconductors, transistors and also LEDs